Allopurinol: gout prevention, flares and rash safety
This guide is here to teach you. It is not medical advice, and it does not replace your doctor or pharmacist. Always do what your doctor tells you, and ask a pharmacist before you change how you take any medicine.
Print or save this guideRash warning: Stop allopurinol and contact your prescriber immediately at the first rash or other allergic symptoms. Blistering, peeling skin or swelling needs urgent medical assessment; trouble breathing needs emergency care. Do not restart it yourself. Allopurinol label, serious skin reactions
Quick answers
Does it relieve an attack right away?
No. It lowers uric acid to help prevent future gout attacks. It is not immediate pain relief.
Why did I have a flare after starting?
Flares can temporarily increase early in treatment. Your prescriber may add another medicine to prevent them.
Should I take it with food?
Taking it after a meal can make it easier on your stomach. Follow your prescribed schedule.
Source: MedlinePlus allopurinol.
Should I stop during a gout flare?
A flare alone is not a reason to stop prescribed allopurinol. Contact your care team about treating the flare and keep following your prevention plan. This differs from a rash or allergic reaction, which requires stopping and immediate medical advice. Allopurinol label, gout flares and skin reactions
What if I miss a dose?
Take it when remembered unless the next dose is almost due. In that case, skip it. Do not take two doses together to catch up. MedlinePlus
What needs checking?
Keep ordered uric-acid, kidney and liver checks. Tell your pharmacist about azathioprine or mercaptopurine before combining medicines; these interactions can be serious. Ask whether your history or ancestry makes genetic testing appropriate before starting. Kidney disease can affect the treatment plan. Allopurinol label, testing, warnings and interactions
What about fluids and side effects?
Ask how much fluid is appropriate if you have a heart or kidney condition or a fluid restriction. Report persistent nausea, diarrhea or drowsiness. Yellow skin or eyes or blood in the urine needs immediate medical advice. MedlinePlus
Understand your prevention plan
Ask a Fairview pharmacist about your medicines or request a transfer. Prescription services are through the pharmacy, not the OTC shop. This is general education.